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The moment Tony Popovic eventually assembled his maiden Socceroos squad, the fresh coach detailed a set of expectations. Most were clear and concise – ideal given the turmoil around his unexpected entry, following Graham Arnold’s exit, and with fewer than three weeks to prepare for critical 2026 World Cup qualifiers against China and Japan.

Popovic insisted that any player who aimed to represent in a Socceroos shirt would need to take on an “top-tier” attitude to deserve, or continue to earn that distinction. But there was an additional theme. More an inspiration and a call to greatness – and one that has been thrown sharper into perspective with any step taken on the road towards the World Cup in North America.

“My expectations were to do something remarkable, in my introductory talk to the players,” Popovic says. “That remains the same.”

Approximately a year on from that meeting in an Adelaide hotel, a lot of other things have changed, even if Popovic’s ambitions are the same. The coach, for one, appears genuinely comfortable as Socceroos boss. The 52-year-old’s standing for strictness stands in stark contrast with the expansive and at times jovial figure speaking freely for over an hour in what have become semi-regular discussions with football media. Likewise have the results of his team changed, with memories of a defeat to Bahrain and stalemate with Indonesia feeling fairly remote after victories over Japan and Saudi Arabia in June booked the Socceroos’ place in next year’s international tournament.

Those victories came as part of an 11-game unbeaten run under Popovic, one that was only ended away by the United States earlier this month. It’s momentum that has taken the Socceroos to the unlikely brink of breaking into pot two in the World Cup draw. The results of November warm-up matches against Venezuela, at the moment ranked 50th in the world, and 13th-ranked Colombia – as well as Ecuador’s games against Canada and New Zealand, and the last games of European qualifying – are significant in this regard.

Even though Popovic acknowledges that he arrived in the job assuming to only be able to count on a key players of players, he now believes the group he can trust has swelled. This is not only through the emergence of young players such as Nestory Irankunda, Max Balard, or Mohamed Touré as real international players. There are also the likes of Miloš Degenek’s reappearance from the wilderness and Paul Izzo’s development into a bona fide Socceroos keeper with the capability to challenge Maty Ryan.

“The squad has entirely changed in my mind – of what’s attainable with players that have entered,” Popovic says. “I first thought, ‘OK, this is my group; I don’t really have much beyond this. Just get by and make them better.’ Now, I think like there are 15, 20 players that have come into that, and I’m convinced there are others to come that I trust can help make us better as a squad at the World Cup.”

This unexpected appearance of talent, and the shift in outlook it has sparked in Popovic, has opened the door for players on the periphery of the squad. Even those not yet regarded among those circle can keep faith that, by June next year, they could be on the roster. A player like Adrian Segečić might be about to miss a month of playing due to an ankle injury, but if he – or any other player – continues to perform consistently, then the coach is emphasizing they’re highly likely of being part of his plans.

“I don’t want to put a restriction or a end on that – to reveal in March that this is our squad, and there may be one or two more additions,” Popovic says. “No, I want every player to feel that they have an possibility. Why can’t there be another player that steps up in June?”

But this expansion, in a way, returns us to Popovic’s initial address as Socceroos head coach. For just as much as he wants players to surprise him, to do something outstanding and rise above the expectations others have for them, he wants his team to have the same philosophy.

“Saying I want to do something special is just ‘we don’t want to have restrictions’,” Popovic says. “We don’t want to confine ourselves into ‘let’s be contenders at the World Cup, and let’s go home and congratulate ourselves for being there’.

“I keep saying it to the group: one day, Australia will go a long way in the World Cup. And why not this group? Why do we have to wait two or three World Cups, when I’m observing and applauding something remarkable from the Socceroos? Why should we have limits? Why not do it now?”